Batemans Bay

The expansive waterway at the mouth of the Clyde River was named by Lieutenant James Cook on his voyage of discovery along this coast in 1770. However it wasn't until well into the 19th century that the township of Batemans Bay appeared.

While Batemans Bay is the largest on the coast south of Nowra, it maintains its small town atmosphere and welcomes its visitors with its fabulous estuary location, country hospitality and charm, an unspoilt natural environment and with attractions and facilities for tourists of all ages and preferences.

Many accommodation, dining and entertainment facilities in the town are sited to take advantage of the magnificent views across the Clyde estuary, ocean and to the mountains in the west. Others are situated close to the beautiful beaches that adorn the coastal centres. Every aspect in Batemans Bay is different and beautiful in its own right.

In addition to its own attractions, 'the Bay' is well located for driving, trekking or undemanding walks in the Clyde Valley and the spectacular mountainous national parks that protect its sources. Pigeon House Mountain for example, is less than an hour's drive north.

Batemans Bay and its neighbouring area boast some of the most spectacular and unspoiled coastline in New South Wales.

You'll also have the chance to savour fresh and succulent seafood caught locally in some of the planet's cleanest waters. Our local Clyde River oysters are often hailed by connoisseurs as the best in the world.

There are dozens of clean beaches, some with gentle shallow waters perfect for young children and others to challenge the more discerning of surfers.

Batemans Bay has seen several world and Australian records for the game fish caught locally and local charter boat operators can take you out for a great day's reef fishing or to chase a "big one'. Boating, diving, windsurfing and of course both body and board surfing all find their respective paradises in our region.

Our beautiful lakes and other waterways offer peaceful bush walks, the company of many species of coastal frequenting birds, fishing and other leisurely pursuits.

Native wildlife that you can encounter in our region include; kangaroos, wallabies, possums, bandicoots, sea eagles and brilliantly coloured parrots amongst others. If you are lucky or persistent you may even encounter some of our rarer or shyer creatures such as a lyrebird, wombat or even a platypus.

During your visit to Batemans Bay, take a drive out to the pretty town of Nelligen, upstream about 10 kilometres. This is a quiet village located on a calm and attractive reach of the river. On the way, you can get a magnificent view of the town and our beautiful river from the Holmes Lookout.

You should also take a trip to historic Mogo, only 5 mins south of the Bay, where the rustic atmosphere has been preserved in the newer buildings in the town, resulting in a quaint village in which you can find a wide variety of unusual and attractive craft and antique items. Step back in history at the pioneer village or the dinosaur museum; visit the famous Mogo Zoo or even pan for gold in the pioneer tradition.